Dynamo Kyiv vs RFŠ | UEFA Europa League 2025, Round 8 – Match Review
On January 30, 2025, Dynamo Kyiv secured their first win in the 2025 UEFA Europa League, narrowly defeating Latvian team RFŠ 1-0. The match took place at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany. This was a game in which both teams had already lost their chances of progressing to the knockout stage, but for Dynamo, it was an opportunity to improve their reputation in European competition. After a series of setbacks in the group stage, the team gathered itself and ultimately achieved a much-needed win, which boosted morale ahead of their return to domestic competition.
Match Overview
The match between Dynamo Kyiv and Latvian club RFŠ turned out to be fairly uneventful in terms of spectacle, but it was important from a psychological standpoint for the Kyiv club. Both teams started the game cautiously, with no one eager to take excessive risks early on. For Dynamo, this victory was significant, as given their previous performances in the Europa League, any win would be a major achievement, even if it didn’t change their chances of advancing to the next stage of the tournament.
The game began slowly, with both teams sizing each other up and not pushing forward aggressively. Kyiv’s players, who were missing key figures like Popov, Bražko, and Buyalsky due to injuries, tried to find their rhythm without them. Instead, Bilovar, Mykhailenko, and Pykhalenok took the places of the absent players and performed admirably, showing their worth on the field.
The first half ended without any goals, although a few attempts were made. A header from Vanat and a save from Neshcheret after an RFŠ shot were some of the key moments that kept the game alive. Still, there was no breakthrough, and the first half ended scoreless.
Dynamo Kyiv’s Performance
The second half started without much excitement for Dynamo, but after a few minutes they became more active, beginning to create opportunities near the opponent’s goal. The first opportunity in the second half came from Pykhalenok, but his free-kick was off-target. However, Dynamo managed to break the deadlock and finally score a goal, which proved to be the only one in the match. Tymchyk made a cross from the right, and the ball rebounded to Pykhalenok, who scored with a precise shot into the lower corner of the goal at the 76th minute. This goal was the decider in the match, and Dynamo continued to hold onto their lead until the final whistle.
The key moment for Dynamo was their effective use of set-pieces, as well as their flawless defensive work, especially from Neshcheret. When RFŠ tried to attack, the Kyiv goalkeeper made several crucial saves that allowed the team to stay confident and finish the match with a victory.
However, Dynamo did not completely satisfy their fans with their performance, as the match was not particularly exciting or visually captivating. The main goal for the team was achieved — the victory, but the overall performance left room for improvement. At this point, the focus was more on lifting the team’s spirits after a difficult series of defeats than on playing a beautiful brand of football.
RFŠ’s Performance
The Latvian team did not look hopeless either, but they were unable to convert their opportunities into goals. In the first half, despite a few attempts and moments of pressure, RFŠ could not find the back of the net. At the beginning of the second half, when the game’s tempo increased slightly, RFŠ showed some promising moments, but they still lacked precision and the ability to finish their attacks. One of their best chances came after a good pass and cross, but the final shot did not reach the target.
RFŠ kept trying to attack, but they couldn’t convert their chances. Their biggest issue was the lack of precision in their finishing. Although they created several chances, they were unable to break Dynamo’s defense. When the ball did get to the goalkeeper, he made essential saves, further hindering their efforts. As a result, the Latvian side left without scoring and with no points to show for their efforts.
Overall, RFŠ’s performance was a mix of moments where they showed potential, but ultimately they could not execute. The lack of clear finishes at the crucial moments in the match led to their defeat. The team didn’t manage to break the rhythm of Dynamo’s defense and was unable to capitalize on any of their chances.
What to Expect from the Dynamo Kyiv vs RFŠ Match
The match left mixed impressions. It wasn’t particularly exciting to watch, but for Dynamo, this win was important to end their European campaign on a positive note. With no chance of progressing further in the Europa League, this match was more of a morale booster for the team. After a series of losses, this victory helped raise spirits and allowed Dynamo to focus on their upcoming Ukrainian Premier League games.
For RFŠ, they were still left with questions about their ability to finish attacks. They couldn’t convert their opportunities, and this proved to be their main issue in this match. The team was not accurate enough, which ultimately led to their defeat. This shows that RFŠ needs to work on their finishing if they want to achieve better results in future European competitions.
Thus, Dynamo not only secured a win but also gained a psychological advantage. This allowed them to prepare for the remainder of the season in the UPL, with their European journey officially ending. However, even such a minimal win helped lift the team’s mood and provided a temporary boost after a string of disappointing results.
